Tan? You Can!

Saturday, June 28th, 2008 | RELAX | bettijo hirschi

Bronze your Skin the Safe Way with these Superior Sunless Tanners

It’s no secret that basking in the sun — or worse, a tanning bed — invites a whole host of ills. Exposure to harmful UV rays can cause premature aging, brown spots and even deadly skin cancer — not worth it, we say! If you’re seeking bronzed skin this summer, forgo the sun’s rays and instead opt for a safe “tan,” courtesy of topical bronzing agents like bronzing powders, gels, lotions and sprays.

If you tend to find such products a touch intimidating, fear not; a good fake tan is possible at home. With the right products and technique, you can get a streak-free, natural-looking faux glow — either instantly with bronzing gels and powders or, for a longer-lasting yet still temporary tan, self-tanning sprays and lotions.

Need a little guidance? Below, find a list of our favorite self-tanners as well as some hints on how to use them in order to achieve perfectly golden, perfectly healthy skin.

	Here today, gone tomorrow The best bronzing powder: Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder. A total quick fix. This ultrafine powder’s bronze shade is so universally flattering, you’ll swear the radiance your face and body will show after using it was achieved by sitting poolside for hours. Simply use a large, fluffy powder brush to sweep it on wherever your skin needs color and you’ll be immediately bronzed. Because the powder is enriched with moisturizing agents, it will leave your skin glowing and dewy. $42, sephora.com.
	The best bronzing gel: CARGO Multi-Mix Bronzer. Mix a drop or two of this sheer, lightweight bronzing gel into your moisturizer or foundation for an immediate application of golden color. Because it is a gel, you can easily customize the degree of bronze you’re seeking by simply adding additional drops to your mixture. If you add too much, simply wash your face and start again! Of course, this works on your body too — just rub equal parts gel and lotion onto your skin for a natural-looking tan. $28, amazon.com.
	Made to last The best bronzing spray: Lancome Flash Bronzer Airbrush. This quick-drying spray self-tanner offers a multi-angle applicator that allows you to expertly reach all areas of your body, resulting in a streak-free, even tan. Its skin-smoothing blend of natural ingredients and Vitamin E delivers soft, smooth skin with anti-oxidant protection. Simply spray it on, don dark, loose-fitting clothing for an hour or so, and then emerge golden! To deepen your shade, repeat applications for a few days or until you achieve your desired color. $28, lancome.com.
	The best self-tanning lotion for body: Too Faced Tanning Bed in a Tube. For a truly goof-proof self tanning lotion application, choose a formula like this fantastic one. It’s also a liquid bronzing lotion, which allows you to instantly see exactly where you’re darker, banishing any possibility of streakiness. Use this lotion daily to build your sunless tan and keep your body golden all summer long. $23, sephora.com.
	The best self-tanning lotion for face: Olay Complete Touch of Sun Daily UV Facial Moisturizer. This moisturizer not only hydrates and protects your skin with vitamin E and SPF 15, it also includes a faint amount of sunless tanner. With daily use, your skin will take on a subtle, tanned glow. Just make sure you wash your hands after every application, or you’ll end up with orange palms! $15, drugstore.com.